2018 Harry Jerome Scholarship Award Winners Announced

June 4, 2018 15:51pm

BC Athletics and The Vancouver Foundation are pleased to announce the recipients of the 2018 Harry Jerome Scholarship. This year’s award winners are Trinity Hansma of Armstrong, Eric Che of Richmond, Taryn O’Neill of Lake Country, Rowan Hamilton of Chilliwack, and Jasmine Lew of Coquitlam.

The Harry Jerome Scholarship Award is administered by BC Athletics through The Vancouver Foundation. Eligible applicants must be residents of BC and be matriculating students progressing to post-secondary study. This scholarship is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional ability and show considerable promise in Track & Field, Road, or Cross Country Running (Athletics); demonstrate financial need; have attained an acceptable academic record, and have demonstrated qualities of character and leadership.

2018 Harry Jerome Scholarship Award Winners

Trinity Hansma

Trinity Hansma is a leader on the track, in the classroom, and in the community. Trinity has reached ‘great heights’ as a high jumper. In 2017, Trinity competed for Team BC at both the Canada Summer Games and the National Legion Track & Field Championships, placing 4th and 2nd, respectively. Trinity’s dedication and determination make her a valuable leader both on and off the track. She volunteers with the Vernon AAA Track Club, coaching Junior Development athletes, and the Hospital Auxiliary Bargain Bin, helping with the daily operations of the thrift store. Trinity’s tendency to reach for great heights translates from the track into her academic life. She is in the top 10% of her Pleasant Valley Secondary School graduating class. She plans to bring her track and academic talents to the University of British Columbia, where she will compete for the Thunderbirds while pursuing a degree in kinesiology. From athletics to academics to community involvement, Trinity excels in all areas – she is a fitting recipient of the Harry Jerome Scholarship Award.

University: University of British Columbia

Eric Che

Eric Che is a leader on the track, in the classroom, and in the community. Eric is an accomplished long jumper, breaking the BC High School meet record in 2016 and placing second at the Canadian National Legion Track and Field Championships in 2017. An honours student at J.N. Burnett Secondary School, Eric is passionate about the sciences and hopes to pursue a career in medicine. Eric has been accepted to the University of Toronto where he will compete in long jump while studying Life Sciences. Eric’s extracurricular involvement and leadership extend beyond track and field and into the community. He is a team leader of J.N. Burnett Secondary

School’s environmental club and he volunteers with the City of Richmond’s sustainability department. Eric’s proven excellence in athletics, academics, and leadership make him an ideal candidate for the Harry Jerome Scholarship Award.

University: University of Toronto

Taryn O’Neill

Taryn O’Neill is one of Canada’s top up-and-coming middle-distance athletes. In 2017, Taryn was a member of both Team BC, competing at the Canada Summer Games, and Team Canada, competing at the Pan American Junior Championships. Taryn’s 2017 season was highlighted by a second-place finish in the 3000m at the Pan Am Junior’s. Taryn’s pursuit of excellence extends beyond the track and into the classroom. She is a Principle’s List student at George Elliot Secondary School, achieving top academic results. Taryn is an active member of her school community. She takes on volunteer roles with the cross-country team, the social justice club, and the Me2We club. Taryn helped implement a school-wide anti-bullying initiative, and a joint school-community “Rail Trail” fundraiser. Taryn intends to bring her athletic and academic abilities to Villanova University, where she will compete in cross-country and track and field, while perusing a degree in the sciences. Taryn’s excellence on the track is paralleled by her excellence in the classroom and in the community. She is a worthy recipient of the Harry Jerome Scholarship Award.

University: Villanova University

Rowan Hamilton
Rowan Hamilton has established himself as a top discus and hammer thrower in British Columbia and Canada. Rowan recorded top-two finishes in the discus throw and the hammer throw at both the 2016 and 2017 BC High School Championships. He placed second in the hammer throw at the 2017 Canadian Junior National Championships, earning a spot on the Team Canada roster at the Pan American Junior Championships. Rowan wrapped up his 2017 campaign at the Canadian National Legion Youth Championships, throwing a national record on his way to a first-place finish in the hammer throw. Rowan gives back to the track and field community, volunteering at track and cross country meets and at the BC Summer Games. Rowan reaches great distances not only in sport, but also in the classroom. He is an Honours student at Sardis Secondary School, recording straight A’s. Rowan plans to take his academic and athletics abilities to the University of British Columbia. Rowan’s aptitude in sport and in the classroom make him an ideal recipient of the Harry Jerome Scholarship Award.

University: University of British Columbia

Jasmine Lew

Jasmine Lew exhibits excellence on the track, in the classroom, and in the community. Jasmine has been a member of Team BC for the past three years. In 2017, Jasmine jumped to a national title, placing first in the long jump at the Canadian National Legion Youth Track and Field Championships. Jasmine’s accolades extend far beyond the sport of track and field. She is a top student at Heritage Woods Secondary School, holding a 4.0 GPA. Jasmine’s academic interests lie in medicine and rehabilitation. She plans to attend the University of Toronto, where she will study Kinesiology. Jasmine’s passions are reflected in her extra-curricular activities. She volunteers with the Eagle Ridge Hospital Foundation, and The Door’s Open. Jasmine gives back to the track and field community as a junior coach with Airblastoff Track & Field Club. Jasmine’s extensive athletic, academic, and community involvement and success make her an ideal recipient of the Harry Jerome Scholarship Award.